Pause

Listen

"Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Think

A genie, a lamp, and three wishes. We know the question, and we have our answers. Depending on my current situation, immediate needs, and hopes for the foreseeable future, my three wishes range from a lifelong free pass at my favorite fast food restaurant to an all-expenses paid vacation to, of course, more wishes. No matter my answers, one thing remains the same: I want the genie to give me what I want for my life.

It’s a good thing that our self-involved wishes do not always come true. It’s an even better thing that the Spirit of God’s wishes do come true. Today’s Scripture tells us that God’s Spirit goes “wherever it wishes.” The Spirit of God speaks truth, gives knowledge, and inspires us to live the gospel message of love. It is the Spirit of God who comforts, prays with us, and guides. Thank God the Spirit goes wherever it wishes, for the Spirit of God is real good (better-than-all-our-wishes-combined-good).

Pray

Spirit of God, convict me of your truth. Give me discernment to know how to live faithfully for you and to trust you. May I live in your Spirit and be guided by your Spirit, today and forevermore. Amen.

Go

Spirit of the living God, be alive and real in my life.

Spirit of a loving God, be near and true to your word.

Spirit of a just God, be honored in what I say and do.

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writer

Aram Bae

Aram Bae is the Director of Family Ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in the heart of Manhattan. She also teaches religious education courses as an adjunct professor at the New York Theological Seminary. In addition to her passion for youth ministry, there is nothing she loves more than a (large) plate of fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and collard greens. (Cornbread sweetens the pot, too.)